Tuesday, 21 July 2015

What's on my iPad Mini? | Two Year Update

The last time I talked about my iPad was two years ago when I first purchased the mini tablet, and you can still read that blog post where I go into detail about my favourite apps and first impressions. I felt like it was about time I updated you all. It's important to do your research when it comes to buying electronics, especially pricey items. I'm always keen to hear what people are using their gadgets for the most, it helps me make a decision before buying. So how are things two years on? Am I still using my iPad for the same reasons and have I discovered anything new...?

Favourite Apps to Use

My number one use for my iPad mini... it's a toss up between watching Netflix and browsing Pinterest! The iPad mini screen is definitely 'individual' sized. It's lightweight and portable, I think it's ideal for watching Netflix or Prime Instant Video alone. I've just finished all three seasons of Orange is the New Black. After being late to catch the bandwagon I stormed through 3 seasons in 3 weeks. It's really good.

I also love flicking through the Pinterest app on the iPad. I prefer using Pinterest this way more than viewing it via desktop or on a phone. There's something about the ease of use on the iPad that makes it different to any other device. My iPad tends to live on my bedside table so I'll pop on Pinterest for some late night inspiration (which is when my brain switches on creatively anyway) and update my boards.

Other apps that I use frequently are Tumblr, YouTube, Bloglovin and shopping apps such as ASOS and Amazon. Although it must be said, the ASOS app is pretty rubbish and crashes all the time. I rarely play games, I just don't get hooked on them. I did play Sims for quite a while but after forgetting about my families for a few weeks I just haven't gone back to it.

Reading on the iPad Mini

I regularly use the Kindle app. I did have a Amazon Kindle but I've since sold it as it really wasn't getting used. I worried the bright iPad screen would hurt my eyes after hours of reading but I don't find it too strenuous at all. At night I turn the brightness all the way down and it doesn't affect my sleep or how tired I feel. An hour of reading actually improves my sleep and helps me to wind down. It's avoiding checking Instagram before bed that's tricky! The Kindle app is brilliant. I love the dictionary feature. If you want a definition of a word you're not sure on, you just tap and hold down on the word. This, and the notes feature, would have been so useful to me when studying English Lit.

I also love the Stylist magazine app. It's 100% free with new issues of Stylist out every Tuesday. I used to pick it up every week in Manchester on my way to Uni or work and read it on the train home. Since finishing my degree and changing jobs I'm happy to have found a downloadable version of such a fantastic magazine.

This beautiful ipad skin is from CaseApp, I picked the design 'Black Wild Waters' straight from their design gallery, but you can always create your own custom case and CaseApp have kindly offered a discount code for my readers GWENMCASE20. They're very easy to apply and don't leave any sticky residue should you want to peel them off in the future.
I'd love to know which apps you're using regularly on your ipad and if you have any suggests for me!